2014 Ford Flex

Interior

2014 Ford Flex Interior Review

Note: This interior review was created when the 2014 Ford Flex was new.

Scorecard

Interior:

8.1

While reviewers offer varying opinions on the quality of materials throughout the cabin, most agree that the interior as a whole is highly functional, with spacious seats in all three rows and plenty of usable cargo space. Critics report that the optional MyFord Touch system can be glitchy and slow to respond to commands, but others remark that the Flex’s SYNC voice command system works well.

"Overall, we like the Flex's interior because of its abundant soft-touch materials and attractive, upscale design." -- Edmunds

"Ford worked hard to make the 2014 Flex a special place to be. The inviting interior is functional, elegantly appointed and meticulously assembled." -- Kelley Blue Book

"Unfortunately the 2013 refresh did little to update the cabin, which remains swathed in plain plastics and boring, square shapes. It's not nearly as modern as the interior of other contemporary Ford products, although options like MyFord Touch, a blind-spot warning monitor, and a self-parking function are available." -- Automobile Magazine

Seating

The Flex has standard seating for seven people, while an optional pair of captain's chairs in the middle row reduces seating capacity to six. Cloth seats and a power driver's seat are standard, while leather upholstery and heated and ventilated front seats are optional. Reviewers are largely impressed with the Flex's seating comfort and space in all three rows. Multiple test drivers comment on how easy it is to get to the third row of seats, saying it is an easier feat than even in some larger SUVs. The front- and second-row seats are likewise praised for their comfort and spaciousness.

"It still seats up to seven and the rear seat, unlike in some three-row crossovers, is usable and easily accessed." -- Automobile Magazine

"Getting into the Flex's second and third rows isn't as easy as with a minivan, but certainly access is better than in most large crossover SUVs thanks to the Flex's lower stance and standard second-row one-touch tumble feature. The optional second-row captain's chairs reduce seating capacity to six, but their sliding feature not only increases comfort in that row, but expands legroom in the third row. As such, the 2014 Ford Flex is the rare crossover that allows 6-footers to fit comfortably in all three rows." -- Edmunds

"For hauling people, the front and middle rows provide spacious and comfortable accommodations for four, or five in a pinch. Third-row occupants will find legroom a little tight." -- Kelley Blue Book

"Second row occupants may have it best of all, with an absolutely ridiculous 44.3 inches of legroom. That's over seven inches more than the GMC Acadia, and more than five inches better than an Acura MDX." -- Autoblog (2013)

Interior Features

Standard features on the 2014 Flex include a six-speaker stereo, Ford's SYNC system, which includes Bluetooth and voice control for phone and music commands, USB and auxiliary jacks and rear parking sensors. Notable options include navigation, dual-zone automatic climate control, a backup camera, adaptive cruise control, collision warning, blind spot and cross traffic alert, a 12-speaker Sony audio system, satellite radio, HD Radio, Ford's parallel parking system, a panoramic sunroof and a second-row refrigerated console. Ford’s MyFord Touch infotainment system is also available, which features a touch screen and allows voice or touch controls of audio, climate and navigation systems.

Some test drivers are displeased with MyFord Touch, noting that the buttons can be glitchy and slow to respond, and that the system takes some time to master. Still, the SYNC voice commands earn praise for their usefulness, and the gauges are well-liked for being large and easy to read.

"Unfortunately, both of the Flex's electronics interfaces leave something to be desired. The SE's MyFord system includes a display screen, but it's not especially intuitive and some buttons can be hard to reach. The MyFord Touch system that is standard on the SEL and Limited consists of configurable gauge cluster displays and a large main touchscreen. There are nice customization possibilities here, but the experience is soured by the touchscreen's virtual buttons that are slow to respond and prone to the occasional glitch." -- Edmunds

"The new-last-year instrument panel is clean and functional, with the three screens for the new MyFord Touch system.” -- Kelley Blue Book

"MyFord Touch also replaces conventional sound system knobs and buttons with a center-mounted eight-inch touchscreen, dual 4.2-inch displays in the instrument cluster and touch-sensitive controls in the center stack. Many consumers report that the system is a ‘love it or hate it’ item, so those interested in the Flex are advised to try before they buy." -- Left Lane News

"Based on our preview test-drive evaluation, MyFord Touch seems to be improved, but we need to spend more time with it before making a final judgement. Even so, the vast array of functions controlled via My Ford Touch will require acclimation and some study to completely master." -- Consumer Guide (2013)

Cargo

The Flex has 20 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row of seats, 43.2 cubic feet behind the second row and 83.2 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. While the Flex’s cargo hold isn't especially large for the class, reviewers are impressed with the Flex's available cargo room, and note that the boxy shape of the Flex helps make the most of space. A power liftgate and power-folding third-row seat are available on upper trims.

"The Flex can hold a maximum of 83 cubic feet of stuff behind the first row. This is less voluminous than some minivans and several large crossovers, but you can make the most out of the available space thanks to the Flex's conveniently boxy shape." -- Edmunds

"The 2nd-row and 3rd-row seats fold flat, and so does the right-front passenger seat, creating what feels like acres of cargo space." -- Kelley Blue Book

"The cargo area is vast. The load floor is completely flat when the seat backs are folded." -- Consumer Guide (2013)